Profile: Michelle Slaughter, Republican for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8

The following is a compilation of the unedited responses from Michelle Slaughter, candidate for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, to the 2018 Amarillo Pioneer Voter Guide. Slaughter is running in the March 6th Republican primary against Dib Waldrip and Jay Brandon.

Name:

Michelle Slaughter

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Office Sought:

Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8

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Why did you decide to run for office?

I am currently in my second term as a district judge in the 405th District Court of Galveston County.  I first ran for this district court bench because I was tired of complaining about what I was seeing in that court.  I am now running for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (“CCA”) for the same reason.  Over the past few years, I have seen some judges on the Court venturing into judicial activism. Judges should never legislate from the bench. In addition, I want to bring my proven track record of efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and saving taxpayer dollars statewide to the CCA. 

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Please list any of your political, civic or non-profit experience.

For most of my life, I have been very active in service to my community.  As such, I cannot answer this question fully in the space allotted. However, the vast majority of my recent service in the community has been spent serving as: a volunteer greeter for my church; a board member for the Rotary Club of Galveston (I am also a Paul Harris Fellow); Vice President of the Board of Trustees for The Galloway School; a volunteer for the League City Lion’s Club senior citizen breakfasts; a member of the Galveston County Criminal Courts Board; a member of the Galveston County Community Supervision and Corrections Board; a member of the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Board; and many more.  For a full list of recent community involvement, please visit www.JudgeMichelleSlaughter.com.

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What is your educational background?

J.D., University of Houston Law Center, cum laude (top 15%); 
B.A., University of Houston, magna cum laude (top 10%)

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What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

(1) I am a constitutional conservative judge who has a proven track record of efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and saving taxpayer dollars; (2) as a district judge, I have presided over thousands of felony criminal cases and well over 100 felony criminal jury trials; and (3) I am the only candidate in this race that has litigated cases in state and federal courts all over Texas and in other states.  I have also taken cases up on appeal in both state and federal courts.

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How will you best represent the Texans who elected you?

As a judge on the CCA, I will ensure that constitutional rights are protected and that justice is served. I will also ensure that the CCA is more transparent, efficient, effective, and is a good steward of your tax dollars. 

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Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, which ones?

Yes, I have been fully vetted and endorsed by: Texas Right to Life, Empower Texans, Texas Values, Texas Homeschool Coalition, Conservative Republicans of Texas, Texas Conservative Review, Lone Star Liberty, Kingwood Tea Party, Hispanic Republicans of Texas, C-Club, Link Letter, CLEAT (Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas), POLICE, Inc. (Police Officers Looking Into Courtroom Excellence), Houston Police Officers Union, Galveston Municipal Police Association.

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How are you better suited than your opponent(s) to serve in the position that you are running for?

Unlike my opponents, I am a constitutional conservative judge with a proven track record of efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and saving tax payer dollars.  When I became the judge of the 405th District Court, that court was the least efficient, least effective district court in Galveston County with the highest backlog. Within my first two years as a judge, I transformed the court into the most efficient, most effective district court with the lowest backlog in Galveston County. Neither of my opponents has a track record or reputation for efficiency and effectiveness.  

Moreover, the quality of my educational background and experience as an attorney far outweighs that of my opponents.  During law school, I interned for two federal district judges and an appellate justice.  After law school, I worked for two large international law firms and started my own successful law firm. I have litigated cases in county, state district, and federal district courts all over Texas and in other states. I have taken cases up on appeal in both state and federal appellate courts. This experience gives me the breadth of experience that is unmatched by my opponents.

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Why should voters choose you on March 6th?

I am the only candidate who is a constitutional conservative judge with a proven track record of efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and saving taxpayer dollars. I want to utilize this experience to improve the CCA for all Texans. No one will work harder for you than I will. I would love to earn your support and your vote.